The might of the Indian Navy and partner navies from across the globe was on full display on Wednesday as President Droupadi Murmu of India reviewed the International Fleet Review 2026 off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Sailing aboard INS Sumedha, the presidential yacht, Ms Murmu, the supreme commander of the armed forces, inspected 72 frontline ships and submarines drawn from the Indian Navy and friendly foreign navies.

She was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, alongside other senior dignitaries.

This marks the 13th fleet review since India’s independence and the third international edition hosted by the country, with about 70 nations participating in the grand maritime showcase.

India previously hosted the event in Mumbai in 2001 and in Visakhapatnam in 2016.

Themed “United Through Oceans,” the 2026 edition returns to Visakhapatnam a decade later, reflecting India’s expanding maritime footprint and growing indigenous capabilities.

Ships dressed in full regalia and manned by smartly turned-out officers and sailors rendered honours to the president before steaming past the presidential yacht in a synchronised sail-past.

Some highlights of the event included India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, alongside formidable destroyers and frigates such as INS Chennai, INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mysore, and INS Mumbai.

Also, submarines, including INS Sindhukesari, INS Shankul, and INS Sindhukerti, also featured prominently in the review columns.

The spectacle underscored India’s steady march towards self-reliance in defence production and its commitment to maritime security, interoperability, and cooperative engagement with friendly navies.

For thousands who witnessed the ceremony along the Vizag coast, the review was not just a display of sea power but a moment of national pride and maritime confidence.

Furthermore, the attendance and participation of allied nations, including the U.S., Russia, and Nigeria, among others, demonstrated India’s resolve to enhance maritime security and economy, not just in its coastlines but globally.

Ms Murmu said that the Indian navy was vigilant in safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and contributing to stability across wider maritime commerce.

Ms Murmu said the Indian navy was deployed in the region to serve as a credible instrument of deterrence and defence against threats and challenges at sea.

The president added that the Indian navy had continued to play a vital role in promoting goodwill and building bridges of trust, confidence, and friendship with navies around the globe.

The 2026 IFR is said to be the largest ever in India and one of the largest in the world.

(NAN)